Characterization of Zr-based hard coatings for medical implant applications

Bâlâceanu, M.; Petreuş, Tudor; Braic, V.; Zoita, C.N.; Vlădescu, Alina; C, Cotrutz; Braic, M.

doi:10.1016/j.surfcoat.2009.11.022

Cited by 53 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…The use of nanocomposite protective films, based on the combination of various transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides, has already been reported [18][19][20][21][22][23]. Within these materials, zirconium carbonitride (ZrCN) start to appear as a promising material for biomedical use [24][25][26].…”

Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Silver activation on thin films of Ag–ZrCN coatings for antimicrobial activity

Ferreri

Galindo

Palácio

et al. 2015

Materials Science and Engineering: C

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Nowadays, with the increase of elderly population and related health problems, knee and hip joint prosthesis are being widely used worldwide. However, failure of these invasive devices occurs in a high percentage thus demanding the revision of the chirurgical procedure. Within the reasons of failure, microbial infections, either hospital or subsequently-acquired, contribute in high number to the statistics. Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) has emerged as one of the major nosocomial pathogens associated with these infections. Silver has a historic performance in medicine due to its potent antimicrobial activity, with a broad-spectrum on the activity of different types of microorganisms. Consequently, the main goal of this work was to produce Ag-ZrCN coatings with antimicrobial activity, for the surface modification of hip prostheses. Thin films of ZrCN with several silver concentrations were deposited onto stainless steel 316 L, by DC reactive magnetron sputtering, using two targets, Zr and Zr with silver pellets (Zr+Ag target), in an atmosphere containing Ar, C2H2 and N2. The antimicrobial activity of the modified surfaces was tested against S. epidermidis and the influence of an activation step of silver was assessed by testing samples after immersion in a 5% (w/v) NaClO solution for 5 min. The activation procedure revealed to be essential for the antimicrobial activity, as observed by the presence of an inhibition halo on the surface with 11 at.% of Ag. The morphology analysis of the surface before and after the activation procedure revealed differences in silver distribution indicating segregation/diffusion of the metallic element to the film's surface. Thus, the results indicate that the silver activation step is responsible for an antimicrobial effect of the coatings, due to silver oxidation and silver ion release.

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Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Silver activation on thin films of Ag–ZrCN coatings for antimicrobial activity

Ferreri

Galindo

Palácio

et al. 2015

Materials Science and Engineering: C

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“…Transition metal carbonitrides (MeCN) materials may be good candidates for that purpose. Among the large MeCN family of materials, ZrC x N 1 À x has been proven to have tunable properties depending on the non-metallic elements contents, altering the hardness, friction coefficient, and biocompatibility in a wide range (Balaceanu et al, 2010;Chen and Liu, 2005;Grigore et al, 2010;Hollstein et al, 2001;Gu and Chen, 2006;Silva et al, 2010;Larijani et al, 2010). However, in order to provide the system with antimicrobial capabilities it is necessary to add an antimicrobial agent, such as silver, widely used and proven to be efficient.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biotribological behavior of Ag–ZrCxN1−x coatings against UHMWPE for joint prostheses devices

Sánchez-López

Cavaleiro

et al. 2015

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

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This study aims to evaluate the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of zirconium carbonitrides (ZrCxN1-x) coatings with embedded silver nanoparticles, produced with the intention of achieving a material with enhanced multi-functional properties, including mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, tribological performance and antibacterial behavior suitable for their use in joint prostheses. The coatings were deposited by direct current (DC) reactive magnetron sputtering onto 316 L stainless steel, changing the silver content from 0 to 20 at% by modifying the current density applied to the targets. Different nitrogen and acetylene gas fluxes were used as reactive gases. The coatings revealed different mixtures of crystalline ZrCxN1-x, silver nanoparticles and amorphous carbon phases. The hardness of the films was found to be mainly controlled by the ratio between the hard (ZrCxN1-x) and soft (Ag and amorphous carbon) phases in the films, fluctuating between 7.4 and 20.4 GPa. The coefficient of friction, measured against ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in Hank's balanced salt solution with 10 gL(-1) albumin, is governed by the surface roughness and hardness. The UHMWPE wear rates were in the same order of magnitude (between 1.4 and 2.0 × 10(-6)mm(3)N(-1)m(-1)), justified by the effect of the protective layer of albumin formed during the tests. The small differences were due to the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of the surface, as well as to the silver content.

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“…Transition metal carbonitrides have been extensively used as protective coatings, due to their great mechanical, tribological and chemical properties [12,21,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30], making them potential candidates to exceed the properties of current bio-materials. ZrC 1Àx N x , for instance, is biocompatible and its mechanical and tribological properties, as well as chemical stability, can be modified by tuning the chemical composition [12,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34], which provides different mixtures of phases and nano-composite structures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…ZrC 1Àx N x , for instance, is biocompatible and its mechanical and tribological properties, as well as chemical stability, can be modified by tuning the chemical composition [12,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34], which provides different mixtures of phases and nano-composite structures. Further changes can be achieved in respect to antimicrobial effect by introducing silver into the ceramic ZrC 1Àx N x matrix.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%